PLANNING PANEL OKS 3 ADULT LIVING FACILITIES

Three adult congregate living facilities west of Delray Beach and Boca Raton, with a total of 716 beds, won favorable recommendations from the county Planning Commission Friday.

The projects will be considered by the County Commission, sitting later this month as the Zoning Board, which has the final say.

This area, from the cities' western boundaries to Florida's Turnpike "is the hottest ACLF market in Palm Beach County," said attorney Dennis Koehler.

Koehler represented Ronald and JoAnne Turner, seeking approval for a 242-bed center on 10 acres along Military Trail, just south of Linton Boulevard. The plan calls for a 65,340-square-foot facility.

Henry R. Carr wants to provide 224 beds in three three-story buildings on 9.6 acres on the north side of Glades Road, just west of Lyons Road. Total floor area would be 190,000 square feet.

A corporation, 7171 North Federal Highway Associates, is planning a 250-bed adult congregate living facility on 10.4 acres on the south side of Linton Boulevard about three-quarters of a mile west of Military Trail. A 67,530- square-foot building is planned.

ACLFs are homes for peopel, mostly elderly, who have some physical impairments or do not want to live alone. They do not provide the extensive medical care available at many nursing homes. They offer commune living, with common dining facilities and recreational areas.

Carr's petition originally was blocked by county planning and zoning staff members because it would be located within 500 feet of a single-family residential zone. That is prohibited under the county's zoning code.

Carr appealed to the County Commission. Commissioners directed the staff to certify the petition and allow it to proceed through the development process.